If you’re looking for advice on navigating the interview process in a non-governmental organization (NGO) setting, there are a few things you need to know as a candidate.
That’s because, although in many senses, these interviews are similar to other positions, there are a couple of things that make them unique.
My aim with this guide is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the ins and outs of an NGO job interview, from what the process typically entails to the kinds of questions you might encounter. I’ll also offer tips on how you can effectively prepare for an interview and advice on the types of questions you might consider asking the interviewers.
With that said, let’s get started diving into how you can pace your NGO interview with flying colors!
What to Know About the Interview Process at an NGO
It’s important to remember that each Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) can have a distinct interview process. However, most NGOs follow a common pattern that includes several stages that shed light on your skills, experience, motivation, and suitability for the role.
As an applicant, understanding the structure of an NGO job interview is crucial because it provides a roadmap for how to prepare, setting you up for success in your aim to make a positive impact in the world. Remember, each stage is designed to assess your alignment with the NGO’s mission, and your responses should highlight your contribution towards that mission.
These stages typically look something like this:
- Phone screening
- Initial in-person interview
- Technical interview
- Closing interview
Let’s take a closer look at what each step consists of.
Step 1: Screening Call
The process often begins with a screening call or initial telephone interview. This could be with an HR representative who is looking to confirm your basic eligibility and check your motivation for applying.
For example, during this stage, you might be asked about your understanding of the NGO’s mission, why you’re interested in the role, and how your skills align with the requirements.
Step 2: In-Person or Video Interview
This can be the most crucial part of the process. In this stage, you’ll meet with key members of the NGO, including potential colleagues or managers. This interview usually covers more in-depth questions about your background, your responses to work scenarios, and discussions about your problem-solving skills and resilience.
Step 3: Technical Interview
You may undergo a technical interview, especially for roles that require specific skills or knowledge. For instance, if you’re applying for a project management position within an NGO focused on education, they might want to delve deeper into your understanding of project management methodologies in the education sector.
Step 3: Closing Interview
This could be with the hiring manager or a high-ranking member of the organization. This discussion often involves a deeper understanding of your motivation and your fit with the organization’s culture and mission.
Preparing for an Interview at an NGO
Interview preparation is like setting the stage for your own performance. Given the nature of non-governmental organizations and the importance they place on passion and commitment, preparing for an interview at an NGO is a unique process.
Remember, the key to successful preparation is understanding the NGO, knowing the job description, and practicing your answers. This preparation will allow you to present yourself as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate candidate for the job, which is exactly what NGOs are looking for.
Here are a couple of tips to help you properly get ready for this type of interview.
Tip #1: Research and Understand the NGO
This is the first and most crucial step. Before you can convince someone else that you are the perfect fit for an NGO, you need to understand the organization thoroughly.
Look up their history, their mission, their current projects, and their future plans. Find out who their beneficiary audience is and how they make an impact. This will not only give you context but will also help you tailor your answers to the interview questions.
Tip #2: Know the Job Description
Very often, we skim over the job description without understanding it completely. But this document holds the key to what the organization is looking for in a potential candidate. Analyze every detail, especially the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities listed. Take note of keywords and competencies required and plan to demonstrate how you have these in your toolkit.
For instance, if ‘project management’ is part of the job description, remember to provide examples from your previous work experiences that show your ability to manage multi-faceted projects.
Tip #3: Practice Common Interview Questions
Practicing answers to common interview questions is a great way to build confidence. It helps eliminate the ‘unknown’ factor in the interview. Position your answers to showcase how your skills and experience will benefit the NGO.
General Questions Asked During NGO Job Interviews
During any job interview, you should be prepared to answer a variety of general questions.
As someone who has been through multiple interviews, I can tell you these questions are often designed to get to know who you are, understand your motivations, and determine whether you align with the organization’s values.
Here are a couple of examples of general interview questions and how to answer them when applying to work at an NGO.
“Why are you interested in working for our organization?”
Your answer should illustrate your passion for the mission and vision of the NGO. For example, if the NGO is focused on education, you might say, “I’m passionate about access to education, and I admire how your organization is making a real impact in under-resourced communities. I believe my skills can contribute to strengthening this work.”
“How do you align with the values of our NGO?”
In this situation, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the NGO’s core values, which you should research before the interview. A solid response will illustrate how these values resonate with your own beliefs and practices.
For instance, if one of the NGO’s main values is accountability, you could explain how you’ve demonstrated accountability in past experiences: “In my previous role, I was responsible for a project where I made an error in judgment. Rather than passing it off, I immediately took responsibility, informed my team, and put forth ideas to rectify the mistake. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of accountability in achieving desired results.”
Questions About Experience and Background
When you sit down for an interview with an NGO, a large part of the conversation will revolve around your past experiences and background. These questions are designed to give the interviewer a deeper understanding of your capabilities, core competencies, and how well you can potentially fit into their organization.
It’s important to remember that while answering questions about your experience and background, the aim is to show how your personal journey has appropriately prepared you for a role in this specific organization.
Go beyond just answering the question – drive it home with examples and make it clear that your past has built a solid foundation for your future with this NGO.
“Can you tell me about your past work experience in the nonprofit sector?”
The interviewer wants to know if and how you’ve participated in this sector before. While it’s great if you’ve already held a position in an NGO, do not worry if this isn’t the case. NGOs value diverse experiences.
Pull examples from your past jobs showing your dedication, hard work, ability to collaborate, and other applicable qualities. You can even extrapolate from your volunteering or community work.
“What were some challenges you encountered in your previous roles, and how did you handle them?”
This question is checking your problem-solving skills. Choose an example that both showcases your problem-solving abilities and highlights your character. Remember to focus on your thought process, actions, and outcomes.
“What academic qualifications do you have that you believe will assist you in this role?”
Here, the interviewer is keen to see how your educational background ties into the skills needed for the NGO role you’re applying for. Make sure to bridge the gap between your academic achievements and the specific responsibilities detailed in the job description.
“How does your background and experience align with our organization’s mission?”
With this question, recruiters are probing whether you’ve done your homework on their organization and if you’ve thought about how your skills can be channeled to further their goals. Take the time to deeply understand the organization’s mission and align it carefully with your own interests and past experiences.
In-depth and Unique Questions Asked During NGO Job Interviews
In this section, we’ll be exploring some in-depth questions you are likely to face during your NGO job interview. Such questions are designed to get a deeper understanding of not just your knowledge and skills but also your approach in complex situations typically faced during NGO work.
Remember, these in-depth questions are designed to understand your thought processes and attitudes. It’s essential to take some time to think and craft an answer that truly represents who you are and what values you bring to the NGO.
Let’s check out a couple of examples of these types of interview questions.
“How would you handle a situation where you’re endangered while working in a conflict zone?”
In answering this question, highlight your problem-solving skills and adherence to safety protocols. An example response could be, “My first step would be to ensure I’m familiar with all the safety and evacuation protocols of the organization. In such a situation, I would prioritize safety while maintaining clear communication with my team.
“A project you’re handling has encountered substantial cost overruns. An influential local donor offers to cover the additional costs but wants the NGO to support a proposal that goes against its policy. How would you handle this?”
This question tests your ethical integrity and commitment to the NGO’s values. A potential answer could be, “While the offer is generous, it’s crucial to maintain the NGO’s principles. I would politely decline the offer and explore other fundraising options or look at possibilities of adjusting the project costs.”
“How has your past work in the NGO sector changed your perspective on global issues?”
Your answer should illustrate personal growth and increased empathy or understanding due to your work. An apt response could be, “My past work has shown me the immense potential of collective action in combating global issues. It has also underscored the importance of listening to and understanding the communities I work with to create effective solutions.”
“Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt to a challenging work environment?”
Non-governmental organizations often work in uncertain and sometimes unpredictable environments. This question seeks to understand your adaptability and resilience. For example, you might share about a time when you had to adjust to a new work culture quickly or had to come up with a creative solution amidst limited resources.
“How have you handled cultural diversity in your prior experiences?”
NGOs frequently work across borders, meaning you might find yourself collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. You could answer this question by sharing specific experiences where you successfully worked or interacted with people from different cultures.
Questions to Ask at the End of an NGO Job Interview
An interview is not just about answering questions but also about asking them. It’s your chance to find out if the organization aligns with your values, ambitions, and expectations.
Asking thoughtful questions not only demonstrates your proactive stance but can also give you a deeper understanding of the NGO’s dynamics to decide if it’s the right place for you.
A few examples of questions you could ask include:
- “Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?” This question shows that you are a team player and are interested in knowing more about the work environment and colleagues.
- “What kind of opportunities for professional development does your organization offer?” This question reflects your enthusiasm for continual growth and learning. It also gives you an idea of how the NGO supports and invests in its employees’ development.
- “Could you describe the key challenges facing this organization and how someone in this position can contribute toward tackling them?” By asking this question, you indicate your interest in addressing the NGO’s challenges and contributing positively.
- “What are the next steps in the interview process?” Your goal in asking this question is to clarify expectations and indicate your eagerness to continue with the process.
- “How do you measure success in this role?” This query communicates your desire to perform well and meet the organization’s expectations. It also gives you an insight into how your work will be evaluated.
Having the right questions ready gives you an active role in the interview process, allows you to express your keen interest in the role and the organization, and ultimately helps you decide if it’s the right career move for you.
The Post-Interview Process After an NGO Job Interview
After the interview concludes, many job seekers may feel a sense of relief. However, the process isn’t entirely over just yet. In the world of NGOs, the post-interview process can be just as significant as the interview itself.
Here are a few things to know about what happens after your interview is over.
Send a Follow-Up Email
One common follow-up is a thank-you email. While this may seem like a small gesture, it can make a big difference. It’s an opportunity to show your appreciation for the time the interviewer spent with you, but also a chance to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the role and the organization.
Further Interviews
The next step can sometimes involve further interviews. For instance, the first interview might focus mainly on your qualifications and experience, while the second and third interviews may dig deeper into how you’d handle specific tasks or challenges of the job.
Task or Project
In some cases, the NGO may give you a task or project to complete. This is to give them an idea of how you work, your problem-solving skills, and how you approach the NGO’s mission.
For example, they may ask you to craft a fundraising strategy for a specific cause or develop a plan to increase community engagement. In such cases, use this opportunity to put your best foot forward and show them what you’re capable of.
Make a Difference With a Job at an NGO
Interviewing with an NGO is not just about showcasing your skills and accomplishments but about demonstrating your commitment to their cause, your understanding of their mission, your resilience in facing challenges, and your aptitude for working in a team, often in a multicultural setting. Preparation will help you answer all these types of questions with confidence and clarity.
I encourage you to learn as much as you can about the organization and the role beforehand, rehearse answering common and in-depth interview questions, and reflect on your past experiences that you can draw from during the discussion.
As your dedicated career coach, I’m excited to guide you in navigating the NGO interview process. You possess the potential to make a significant impact, and I’m confident that with preparation, understanding, and practice, you will shine in your interview! Embrace this journey, it’s your time to make a difference in the world.
And, if you need a little extra help? Get in touch with our career coaches, and we’ll help provide you with tips and tricks that land you your new dream job.
